15 Delicious & Healthy Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss, Quick Meals & Indian Cuisine
14th Dec 2024
1. Quinoa Chaat (Indian Street Food)
Description: A fusion of quinoa and traditional Indian chaat, this dish is packed with flavor and is a perfect snack to enjoy anytime. Crunchy, tangy, and spicy, it’s a must-try for chaat lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup boiled potatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup boiled chickpeas
- 1 small cucumber, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tbsp tamarind chutney
- 1 tbsp mint chutney
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Papdi or sev (fried wheat crisps), for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, cucumber, onion, and green chilies.
- Add tamarind chutney, mint chutney, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, pomegranate seeds (if using), and a handful of papdi or sev.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing and tangy snack.
2. Quinoa Tabbouleh (Middle Eastern-Inspired)
Description: A fresh, vibrant salad with quinoa replacing bulgur wheat, this dish is full of herbs, vegetables, and a lemony dressing. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for a summer meal or side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the quinoa and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, parsley, mint, cucumber, tomato, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled as a light salad or side dish.
3. Quinoa Pesarattu (Green Moong Dosa)
Description: This is a unique twist on the traditional South Indian pesarattu, where quinoa is added to the batter for extra nutrition. It’s a protein-packed dosa that’s crispy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup green moong dal (split yellow lentils)
- 1 small green chili
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Rinse quinoa and moong dal together. Soak them in water for about 4-6 hours.
- Drain and blend the soaked ingredients with green chili and cumin seeds into a smooth batter. Add salt to taste.
- Heat a non-stick griddle or tawa and lightly grease it with oil.
- Pour a ladle of batter onto the hot griddle and spread it into a thin circle.
- Cook until the bottom turns golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side.
- Serve hot with coconut chutney or ginger chutney.
4. Quinoa Sambar Rice
Description: This dish is a healthy and filling meal made with quinoa and the traditional South Indian sambar. The quinoa absorbs the tangy and spicy sambar, making it a satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potatoes, etc.)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 tbsp sambar powder
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the toor dal and mixed vegetables with turmeric powder in a pressure cooker until soft.
- In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Then, add sambar powder, salt, and the cooked dal-vegetable mixture.
- Add water as needed to get a soup-like consistency and bring it to a boil.
- Add cooked quinoa to the sambar and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
5. Quinoa Pudding (Indian-Style Kheer)
Description: A healthy twist on the traditional Indian kheer (pudding), made with quinoa instead of rice. This dessert is creamy, rich, and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 2 tbsp sugar or jaggery (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 10-12 cashews, chopped
- 10-12 almonds, chopped
- 1 tbsp raisins
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly.
- In a pan, bring the milk to a boil. Add the quinoa and cook on low heat until the quinoa is soft and the milk thickens.
- Add sugar or jaggery, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using). Stir well.
- In a separate pan, fry the chopped cashews, almonds, and raisins in ghee or oil until golden.
- Add the fried nuts and raisins to the pudding.
- Serve warm or chilled as a delicious and healthy dessert.
6. Quinoa Pulao (Vegetable Pilaf)
Description: A fragrant and nutritious twist on the traditional vegetable pulao, made with quinoa instead of rice. It’s light, yet filling and perfect for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
- 1 onion, finely sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly and set it aside.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, and when they splutter, add the sliced onions and green chili. Sauté until onions turn golden.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Then, add turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the quinoa and 2 cups of water. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita.
7. Quinoa Khichdi
Description: A wholesome and comforting dish made with quinoa, moong dal (lentils), and spices. This healthy alternative to traditional khichdi is ideal for a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1/4 cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse quinoa and moong dal together and set aside.
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft.
- Add the tomatoes, turmeric powder, ginger powder, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add quinoa and moong dal to the cooker. Add 3 cups of water.
- Close the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with pickle and curd.
8. Quinoa Tikki (Cutlet)
Description: A crispy and healthy snack made from quinoa, mashed potatoes, and spices. These tikkis are perfect for a light snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, and fresh coriander.
- Shape the mixture into small round patties (tikkis).
- Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the tikkis until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with green chutney or tamarind chutney.
9. Quinoa Upma
Description: A quick and healthy breakfast dish made with quinoa, vegetables, and spices. This South Indian-inspired recipe is a light yet filling meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, etc.)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp urad dal
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh curry leaves
Instructions:
- Rinse quinoa and set it aside.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and green chili. Sauté until onions turn soft.
- Add the mixed vegetables, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add quinoa and 2 cups of water. Cover and cook on low heat until quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Serve hot with coconut chutney.
10. Quinoa Aloo Gobi
Description: A flavorful dish made with quinoa, potatoes, and cauliflower. This healthy alternative to the traditional aloo gobi curry is a great side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1/2 head cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add potatoes and cauliflower, cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add quinoa and 2 cups of water. Cover and cook until quinoa and vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
11. Quinoa Paratha
Description: A healthy alternative to traditional parathas made with quinoa flour and wheat flour. These soft, fluffy parathas are great for breakfast or lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, mashed
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed quinoa, wheat flour, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add water little by little and knead into a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin circles.
- Heat a tawa and cook the parathas with a little ghee on both sides until golden brown.
- Serve with yogurt or pickle.
12. Quinoa Biryani
Description: A flavorful one-pot biryani made with quinoa, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This healthy version of biryani is a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp biryani masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse quinoa and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, garam masala, and biryani masala. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add quinoa and 2 cups of water. Cook until quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve hot.
13. Quinoa Dosa
Description: A crispy and nutritious variation of the traditional dosa made using quinoa, perfect for a healthy breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
- Soak quinoa and urad dal together for 6-8 hours. Drain and grind to a smooth batter with some water.
- Add cumin seeds and salt to the batter.
- Heat a non-stick griddle and pour a ladleful of batter, spreading it in a thin circle.
- Cook until crispy, then flip and cook on the other side.
- Serve with coconut chutney and sambar.
14. Quinoa Moong Dal Chilla
Description: A savory Indian pancake made from quinoa and moong dal batter, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Soak quinoa and moong dal for 6 hours. Drain and grind into a smooth batter with water.
- Add chopped green chili, coriander leaves, turmeric, and salt to the batter.
- Heat a tawa and grease it lightly with oil. Pour a ladle of batter and spread into a pancake shape.
- Cook both sides until golden brown.
- Serve hot with chutney.
15. Quinoa Vegetable Tikki
Description: Healthy and crispy quinoa and vegetable patties, perfect as a snack or for making wraps.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup mixed boiled vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mash the boiled vegetables and mix with cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the patties until crispy and golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with chutney or yogurt.
Enjoy the Healthy, Wholesome Taste of Quinoa with Every Bite!
At Ishva, we believe that great meals start with great ingredients. That’s why we take pride in offering you the finest quality quinoa, handpicked and packed with care to ensure you get the best of nature in every serving. Our quinoa is not only rich in protein and fiber but also versatile enough to complement any meal you prepare.
As you try these delightful, easy-to-make quinoa recipes, we hope each dish brings a burst of flavor and nourishment to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these dishes are crafted to be wholesome, delicious, and satisfying.
We trust you’ll enjoy preparing and savoring these quinoa creations just as much as we enjoy bringing them to you. So, get ready to take your tastebuds on a healthy, flavorful journey – one bite at a time! And remember, with Ishva, you’re not just enjoying a meal, you’re experiencing the love and care that goes into every product.
Bon Appétit and Happy Cooking!